How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I found out about bariatric surgery because a family member had the RNY procedure. However, I knew nothing about the procedure or what led to their decision to have weight loss surgery. So I assumed they took the easy way out. It wasn't until I began to research weight loss surgery that I understood.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I had no problem with insurance approval. I checked with my insurance company before hand, read over my benefits booklet, checked with my doctors office. I already knew what they exepected, so I had no surprises along the way nor any issues with getting approval for the surgery.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

I was expecting more one on one time. It was a group meeting, he addressed us as he would in a seminar. Then we met with him individually for about ten minutes. All I can say is I had a ton of information about the procedure I was going to have. I think patients need to make themselves informed, the internet is a great informational database.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The doctor telling me I would be a candidate for diabetes in the next five years. My blood pressure was already elevating. I had been having numerous health problems for the past few years, they wouldn't have improved had I not made the decision for surgery. I didn't feel I had any other choice. It was time to do something before I was too sick to do anything.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had no desire to have any objects placed in my body, and I did not believe I would have the success with the band that I would have had with RNY. My doctor felt the same way. My choice was clear: RNY.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

Infection. I was concerned about infection because I had problems with staph infections over the past few years. I was really nervous the day of the surgery, but I knew my doctors. Again, I think being well informed is key. I read up on everyone having to do with my care.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My family was supportive. My close friends were supportive. A few weren't. I realized then that they, too, were misinformed and could not fully understand my struggle with being overweight for more than half my life. My family and close friends are still supportive. I would not have changed how I communicated my decision for weight loss surgery.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

My employer and supervisor were VERY supportive. Everyone at work knows what I had done, and it's been very encouraging. I was out of work for two weeks. I should have taken an extra week, but I had no more paid time off!

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was so uncomfortable. I took a friend with me so I wouldn't have to sit there alone. It was really informative, I'm glad i went. I learned a lot about food we eat now, versus what it used to be like...what the supplements were like (I wasn't prepared for them to be tasty), what changes would take place, etc.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I went in Tuesday and went home Friday. There was a problem getting my pain under control, so I wasn't up and around walking right away. My nursing staff was great. My roommate was from hell. I wasn't feeling like texting, or emailing, or talking on the phone...but I did have earphones, which helped me deal somewhat with my noisy roommate. There's not a lot of rest to be had in the hospital. Patients should be prepared for that.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

No complications.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Actually, I did okay up until the morning of the surgery. Then I started to freak out. Being the surgeon he was, he had the nurse give me valium....twice. :)

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Getting up and down was tough for a while because of the main incision. My surgeon said it would the last to heal because he had to cut through the muscle of the abdominal wall to do the main part of the surgery. I had to sleep with a pillow underneath my side. Sitting for long periods of time was painful. I learned that by going back to work a week earlier than I should have. Walking around helped. People should expect things not to heal overnight. It's a major surgery, a big shock to the body, and everyone needs time to heal. Everyone.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

Less than five miles. The hospital and my surgeon's office are very close to my home.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I followed the dietary guidelines given by my weight loss doctor and nutritionist. In the beginning I had difficulty handing anything much above protein shakes and broth. When I moved to soft foods I had a hard time with yogurt. It seemed everything tasted the same, and some of the ones I liked before surgery I didn't like. Same thing happened with cottage cheese - I can only tolerate one brand now. But it helped because I knew right away what to get and what to avoid. Six months later I still have problems with scrambled eggs. Raw carrots and oranges are completely out of the question. They don't go anywhere but back out. Rice is touch and go. I'm finding a new love for the taste of fruit...especially grapes and green melon. I'm now enjoying food.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

Slow. I was tired, especially after I returned to work. As the weeks went on the tiredness reduced as I got moving more.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Flinstones chewables (doctor recommended), B12, B Complex, D3 (5,000 IU), 29mg iron. Still have to take Prevacid, and Miralax.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I've always had hair loss, so that hasn't bothered me too much. I have been taking Ambien for over a year by the time I had my surgery and hadn't experienced side effects until after the surgery. I sleep walk and sleep munch (thank God I have nothing in the house to make me sick). I did have a stricture at three months that was resolved with balloon dilation. I am now lactose intolerant, so I can no longer drink regular milk (doesn't bother me with other dairy products though). I use lactose free or soy milk. Have not experienced dumping, I'm pretty careful.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Just the pain right after surgery and the stricture at three months. I haven't had a bad experience though.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

The groups associate with my weight loss doctor charge per meeting. So do the ones associated with my hospital (they not only charge, but one can attend if they went through the program at the hospital...I didn't). Honestly, my insurance doesn't cover the meetings, and my finances are tight. I think the support groups are important, but I firmly believe there shouldn't be a charge to attend. It's a real deterrent.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I had a laproscopic procedure. I have five scars. They all are what I had expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't really had one yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh my gosh, yes. I get compliments all the time, people are talking to me more at work. My single neighbor flirts with me. I get treated nice at the store. I'm really hoping this'll help with my future employment. I'd like to get passed over because I honestly don't qualify, not because I'm overweight.It's a great feeling.